Meghan Markle's Wedding Nail Polish Adhered to Royal Protocol
Breaking rules? Not today.
Welp, guys, Meghan Markle is officially a royal—or, to be specific, the Duchess of Sussex. And though rumors and speculation have run rampant for months as to how she would wear her hair or do her makeup, I wanted to know what she’d do with her nails.
Yes, it seems like such a minor detail, but when you consider the fact that the close-up shot of Harry and Meghan exchanging rings would be seen ‘round the world a billion times over, a manicure doesn’t seem so trivial anymore. And finally, her nails have been revealed: Meghan Markle choose a subtle, pale-pink polish for her neutral nail look.
Historically, royal protocol discourages bright, distracting nail polishes, so it’s not surprising that Meghan didn’t push the rules on her wedding day.
Though we don’t have a confirmed nail polish shade or manicurist responsible, we do know that the Queen’s favorite nail polish is Essie’s iconic nail polish in Ballet Slippers, which she’s been wearing since 1989, when her then-hairstylist sent her a bottle of the sheer-pink shade to try.
So perhaps Meghan took cues from the Queen (not a bad idea, tbh) and opted for the same shade, or maybe followed Kate Middleton’s lead and used the same Essie Nail Polish in Allure that she wore to her wedding in 2011.
Either way, Meghan looked beautiful with a twisted updo, compliments of hairstylist Serge Normant, a subtle smoky eye and dewy skin from makeup artist Daniel Martin, and, of course, her custom Givenchy wedding dress.
We’ll keep updating this story with details as they come, so check back!
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Follow along here as we report on the royal wedding in real-time—from the dress to the tiara to Harry and Meghan's most adorable moments.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
-
Brooke Shields Elevates Her Business Professional Pant Suit
Giving "silver fox" a whole new meaning.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Naomi Watts Was "Warned" Revealing Early Menopause Would Make Her Seem "Unf--kable" and She'd "Never Work Again"
"I didn't even really know what menopause meant—except very likely the conclusion of my acting career, which got under way far later than most."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?
"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Is Pushing the Premiere of Her Netflix Series Due to the Los Angeles Wildfires
Meghan requested that Netflix delay the release "as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Hugged Victims of the LA Fires During Surprise Appearance in Pasadena
"No one knew they were serving food with masks."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating Wildfires
The Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies
"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's Actual Kitchen Isn't Featured in Her Netflix Show—Here's What We Know About Her Real Home
The Sussexes seem to favor a muted color scheme.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business Venture
Get ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"
The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
By Amy Mackelden Published